April 2023 Issue

Page 12 April 2023 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN Sustainable fly control uses beneficial insects to seek and kill immature flies. These beneficial insects are safe for humans and horses, and nearly invisible. IPM Laboratories produces fly para- sites, tiny parasitic wasps that kill fly pupae before they can hatch into adult flies. Often called beneficials, tiny parasitic wasps work day and night making food of fly pupae. As small Kool Kurtains™ provide the most advanced technology for passive cooling available to the equestrian and agricultural markets, screening out insects and birds without chemicals. Kool Kurtains utilize their exclusive textile, CS80, which is scientifically proven to deflect up to 80% of the sun’s heat rays while simultaneously allowing for airflow. Extremely durable, antimicrobial, and flame retar- dant, Kool Kurtains’ unique panel design allows for easy coverage of almost any size aisle, run-in, stall or shed row. The panel design also allows for easy access for tractors/ equipment, horses and people. Also available are Dutch Door and window covers, horse trailers, kennels and custom work. Kool Kurtains, and all materials, are 100% sourced and manufactured in the USA. No waiting for cargo ships for products. Kool Kurtains produces a cool, bug-free haven for horses, significantly reducing use of fans and insecticides for a healthier environment for horses and peo- ple. Kool Kurtains are affordable: Kool Kurtains: Your Answer to Bugs, Birds and Heat a 12 ft wide by 8 ft tall opening requires five 8 ft panels for a cost of under $500 and will last for years. Easy to install, Kool Kur- tains come in three standard col- ors; Black, Dark Bay and Natural Weave and in 8 standard lengths; 7 ft to 10 ft in 6-inch increments. Custom sizes too. Introduced to the US market ten years ago, Kool Kurtains have steadily captured marketshare with thousands of satisfied customers. Over a third of Kool Kurtains customers purchase a second order. Sold through most major equine catalogs such as Smart Pak, State Line Tack, Riding Warehouse, Horse.com, Kool Kurtains are also available via www.KoolKurtains. com. Staff is available to assist via phone or email to assess your needs and make recommendations. Order now to protect your horses from the incessant biting bugs that are enroute and a mere 60 days away. For additional information, visit www.koolkurtains.com, email info@KoolKurtains.com or call/text (240) 388-0565. Fly Parasites Offer Organic, Effective Fly Control as a gnat, the parasitic wasp de- posits her own eggs inside the fly’s pupal case, killing the developing fly in the process. The develop- ing wasp larva then feeds on the remains of the killed fly, pupates and turns into a new wasp adult. The young adult parasite chews its way out of the fly’s pupal case, mates and resumes the hunt for new fly pupae to kill. Parasitic wasps do not sting humans or animals, are nearly invisible and do not upset horses or humans. They remain on or near manure searching for fly pupae in which to lay their eggs. Effective fly control minimiz- es egg laying and maggot growth, and keeps conditions favorable for the development of fly parasite populations. Keeping bedding dry and changing often, and keeping stables well ventilated will help reduce moisture and minimize the flies’ egg laying. Horse manure mixed with hay and urine is ideal for egg laying and larval develop- ment. A single female fly can lay at least 500 eggs, which continue to hatch even after the adults are dead. Using biocontrol is easy – just sprinkle the parasites on and near manure piles, in stalls and near garbage compactors. Intro- duce parasites weekly or biweek- ly from approximately May 15 to October 1 in the northeastern US. IPM Laboratories grows fly parasites suited to the eastern US climate and is the only producer of fly parasites east of Texas. For in depth information, visit ipmlabs.com. Remember...tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian ! The news East Coast horse owners need to know